Growing Squash (Winter) in Zone 5A

Winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti) needs a long growing season but stores for months after harvest.

Zone 5A has a moderate growing season. Most crops do well here with proper timing around frost dates.

Top Growing Tips

• Needs 80-110 days of warm weather to mature
• Plant in hills with 4-6 feet between them
• Cure in the sun for 10 days after harvest for long storage
• Mulch to keep fruit off wet soil and prevent rot
• Don’t harvest until the stem begins to dry and the skin is hard

Companion Planting

Good companions: corn, beans, radishes, marigolds

Avoid planting near: potatoes

Harvest Timeline

80-110 days from seed

About Zone 5A

USDA Hardiness Zone 5A has an average last spring frost around Apr 25 and first fall frost around Oct 8. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.